10 Rounds or Less: The New Rules Proposed for Minnesota Shooters

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and DFL lawmakers are making firearm legislation a top priority this legislative session. Two new bills have been introduced that, if passed, would dramatically shift the landscape of gun ownership across the state.

The more expansive of the two bills, HF 3433, seeks to redefine what is legally considered an automatic military-style assault weapon in Minnesota. However, its counterpart is drawing significant attention for its specific focus on equipment: a proposal to define and restrict "large-capacity magazines." For many Minnesota hunters and sport shooters, the proposed round limit may come as a surprise.

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Defining Large Capacity in Minnesota

Authored by the same group of 35 DFL members behind the assault weapon legislation, HF 3402 aims to classify any ammunition feeding device capable of holding more than 10 rounds as a large-capacity magazine. This definition would apply broadly across the state, affecting everything from tactical rifles used at the range to common handguns kept for personal protection.

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Strict Mandates for Gun Owners in Minnesota

The core of the bill would effectively outlaw these magazines within state lines. If passed, the law would take effect on July 1st, 2026. This timeline would require anyone in possession of a magazine holding 10 or more rounds to take one of three actions: surrender the device to law enforcement for destruction, permanently modify the magazine to limit its capacity, or remove the item from the state entirely.

A Divided Legislative Path in Minnesota

This bill faces a steep uphill battle in St. Paul. Currently, the legislation lacks bipartisan support, and public opinion on firearm restrictions remains deeply divided between the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota. If the bill reaches Governor Walz’s desk and receives his signature, Minnesota would join a short list of states like California, New York, and Massachusetts in enforcing a 10-round limit for all firearms.